Each generation brings brand-new artists, and music styles are innovated or get a wind of fresh air. Salsa is an exception to the rule; it is a genre that has remained a latent force for decades. This is mainly due to a mixture of an unshakable historical legacy and constant contributions from newcomers.  

Performers such as NG², short for “new generation” plus the number of its members. The letters also stands for Norberto and Gerardo, the names of its members.

They are young singer-songwriters and musicians who represent tradition but also break away from it. Although they get their inspiration from the music’s roots, they also enrich it with their own personal touch. 

And this is what these Puerto Rican artists want to demonstrate, who are about to release their new and third record production “Con todas las de ganar”, which is set to launch internationally on April 15. Ten songs with the voices of Norberto and Gerardo that precisely have every element to become successful hits with the audience. 

From their first single “Ella Menea” up to their latest ballad “Por Amarte”, it is obvious that the talent of these performers go beyond tropical music.

“Con todas las de ganar”, which was fully recorded in Puerto Rico, home to great salsa artists, is also Norberto and Gerardo’s own production, and was recorded at the studio with the group of musician that play with them in their live performances. This guarantees a continuity and purity of sound that is out of the ordinary.

“It’s been a great satisfaction for us, because the company offers very few artist the opportunity of producing their own albums”, says Gerardo with excitement from Puerto Rico. “Our ideas are translated into this album, as well as the way we make music. It’s the album that best represents us.”  

Although both friends assure that their two first records, “Comienzos” and “Al Fin” are also important, “Con todas las de ganar” defines a “before and after” in their careers. 

“We wanted to prove to people that we could sing,” continues saying 25-year-old Gerardo.

The album was recoded in three months, along 12 musicians whose ages range between 21 and 40. Just as in their previous albums, this one has songs written by NG².

“I always like to put my own personal touch”, says 28-year-old Norberto proudly. “I have three songs in my first album, and in the second one four of them are mine. Now for this third one I wrote “Déjame el camino libre,” “Pero ya cambié” and “Si tú sabes que te quiero.” The rest of them are a selection from people that approach us. 

People like José Hernández, renowned writer who has under his belt a long list of songs, and is the author of NG² first single, “Ella Menea”, and of two recent super hits, “Conteo Regresivo” sung by Gilberto Santa Rosa, and “Arroz con habichuela” a song El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico spiced up.

El Gran Combo is considered to be the most important traditional salsa group in the world, and they are not only a clear influence in NG²s music, but they also share similarities that go beyond the creative realm. This is because Gerardo’s father is Jerry Rivas, the famous vocalist of this Puerto Rican group lead by Rafael Ithier.

“It’s an honor for me to have a legacy from El Gran Combo”, says Gerardo.

He admits that to be related to El Gran Combo this way is a heavy burden and a serious responsibility. But Gerardo, as well as Norberto, put into practice all the advice, and pay attention to constructive criticism, they might received not only from Rivas senior, but from the legendary Ithier.

“It’s a complement to have them believe in our careers,” reflects Gerardo. “And one of the things we want to show them, and the audience, is that we will not disappoint.”

His colleague Norberto completely agrees with him, son of Heriberto Vélez, who had a group of typical Puerto Rican music that this member of NG² was a part of. Norberto, native of the town of Hatillo, remembers his first steps into music when he was four years old, while singing at school. He would later compete in festivals and sing in his father’s group, who is also a music teacher. “I sang typical music until I was 17, and from there I shifted into popular music,” tells Norberto.

Gerardo, born in Bayamon city, started his musical career when he was 10 as the leader of a children’s group called Gerardito y Los Rockolos (a combination of two words, rockers and “cocolos”, two terms used in Puerto Rico to classify rock and salsa lovers.) Into his teens, this future artist would study percussion at the Public School of Music of Puerto Rico, where he meet professor Santiago “Chago” Martínez, who was also the band director for Víctor Manuelle. Gerardo worked as part of the chorus during the first few months along this celebrate salsa player, and then became a percussionist. There he met Norberto, with whom he would later form NG2.

With the support, determination and collaboration of Victor Manuelle, Gerardo and Norberto would join forces to form NG² and to show quality salsa lovers that this duo has a winning formula.